History

The story of The Case Family is a significant chapter of Manchester's rich history. In 1917, Carol Maude Case Dennison (daughter of Alfred Wells Case) commissioned the construction of the Adirondack Style lodge on Case Pond to serve as a summer retreat for the family. The cabin was constructed by French-Canadian builders from American Chestnut logs acquired on the family property. The cabin is a quintessential example of this style movement of the era, which was heavily influenced by the 19th century revival of Alpine Architecture in Europe, with countless notable architectural elements. Additionally, due to the devastating chestnut blight in the early 1900s, this cabin is an extremely rare example of a home built from chestnut logs.

The Dennison family were faithful stewards of the property, as they lived there and created many memories up until 2005. In 2009, the cabin was a significant supporting feature in the addition of The Case Brothers Historic District addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2006, The Town of Manchester, CT purchased the cabin and related property from the Dennison Family. Preservationists and outdoor enthusiasts initially breathed a sigh of relief, as this acquisition spared the space from residential over-development. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, nothing was done to preserve or maintain the cabin. The elements began to take their toll on the vacant property. The historic home also has suffered damage from vandals and vermin alike. Neglect accelerated rot of the once grand wraparound porch and adjacent carriage house, and both were demolished in 2015.

Several years later,  the Manchester Board of Directors voted to demolish the Cabin. In 2020, capital was allocated to fund the demolition.

In 2022, the tide began to turn. A grassroots effort formed, spearheaded by Outdoor Enthusiast and Trail Steward Mark Connors and Town Historian Susan Barlow. "The Friends of the Cabin" grew in numbers and began to raise awareness about the endangerment of the cabin. The word quickly began to spread. The Cabin Controversy was covered on local news WFSB Channel 3, The Hartford Courant, and The Journal Inquirer. An online petition quickly garnered over one thousand signatures.

By October 2022, numerous Cabin Supporters came to express outcry at the Board of Directors Meeting, in continued effort to save the historic landmark from the wrecking ball. 

In the beginning of 2023, The Manchester Board of Directors established the Case Mountain Cabin subcommittee to research options for possible preservation options. As that was happening, "Case Mountain Cabin, Inc.," A nonprofit organization, was incorporated. This organization, consisting of the key members of the "Friends of the Cabin" group, serves as a business entity to be contracted, and hire subcontractors in efforts to help preservation work on the Case Mountain Cabin.  Case Mountain Cabin, Inc. has come before the Cabin Subcommittee with various proposals to help relieve the Town's burden in preserving the cabin. The proposals have consisted of, but are not limited to, donation of labor, engineering/consulting work, and even funding, as well as possible lease options for the cabin property.

As of February 2024, The Case Mountain Cabin Subcommittee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Town enter into a partnership with Case Mountain Cabin, Inc. to oversee the preservation efforts, and in the the early summer, an agreement was reached. The Town signed a five year lease with our organization giving us stewardship over the cabin and charging us with the rehabilitation. By July 2024, we gained access to the property and have since began the slow process, beginning with cleanout and stabilization.

Case Mountain Cabin, Inc. continues to persevere in its efforts to save the cabin. We are actively raising funds and friends to help us in the restoration effort.